Whistler skiers selected to B.C. team

Four women and three men from the Whistler Mountain Ski Club members have been selected to the 17-member 2001-2001 B.C. Ski Team and Development Team  one of the largest teams in provincial history.

In all, the athletes were selected from eight different clubs and all four competitive zones around the province based on past results, rankings and potential.

"Im looking forward to working with this group of guys," said Dusan Grasic, a Slovenian native of the mens head coach for the past seven seasons. "Weve got an older, more experienced group combined with a very strong group of young athletes coming up through the clubs," he said.

"Its an exciting mix with a diverse variety of goals. Its a tremendous opportunity for the entire team as the guys will learn from each other."

Jeff Robinson of Prince George will return for his second year as assistant coach.

Recently appointed womens head coach Ryan Jazic is also excited about the teams prospects. "Weve got a good mixture of youth and experience which bodes well for the season ahead. Everyones excited and theres a good feeling among the athletes."

Whistler Mountains Igor Dostal will join the team as an assistant coach.

B.C. Ski Team athletes train year-round to compete nationally and internationally in downhill, super giant slalom, giant slalom and slalom events. They get about 120 days on snow a year, and stay in training throughout the summer with mountain biking, running, weight training and gymnastics. There are also camps in Whistler, at Mt. Hood in Oregon, and in Chile.

Throughout the winter they attend between 45 and 50 competitions, spending a month in Europe.

The B.C. Team has provided a good stepping stone to the national team in recent years, with 11 B.C. athletes  including five Whistler skiers  training with Team Canada this summer.

Merrill Lynch will support ski racing in B.C. for a second year, and is the title sponsor of the womens team. TIM-BR Mart is also the title sponsor of the mens team. Pontiac GMC provides the team vans, Air Canada provides air travel, and Descente outfits the athletes and coaches each season.